Good diabetes management will not only make you feel great, but it will help you ward off some pretty serious complications down the road—things like heart disease[3], kidney disease, and vision and nerve problems. But if those haven’t been enough to “scare you straight” about diabetes, consider these other benefits of keeping your blood sugar in check.

A sharper mindPeople with diabetes are more than twice as likely to develop cognitive impairment, like Alzheimer’s disease[4], according to a study in Neurology. Japanese researchers believe that a lack of insulin—as well as insulin resistance—may be involved in the formation of plaques in the brain.

What you can do: Some research has found a link between Alzheimer’s and the consumption of nitrates, added to meats and processed foods. Protect yourself by eating fewer processed foods (hot dogs, beer, bacon) and more natural foods (whole grains, fruits and vegetables). What else can keep your thinking gears from getting rusty? Exercising (say, a half hour of brisk walking[5] each day), and engaging in mind-stimulating activities, such as reading, puzzles, word games or playing a musical instrument.

Stronger bonesBoth type 1 and type 2 diabete[6]s are linked with having low bone density, although researchers aren’t entirely sure why. According to a recent Australian study, over a five-year period, men with type 1 diabetes showed a drop in bone density at a rate similar to that of older, postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. This means that both men and women with diabetes have a higher risk of fractures than the rest of the population.

A happier love lifeIt’s been known for some time that men with diabetes are prone to sexual problems[8], like erectile dysfunction (blood vessels and nerves in the penis can become damaged). Now, a recent study of nearly 2,300 women published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that middle-aged and older women with diabetes have sexual issues too: It seems the nerve damage caused by elevated blood sugar levels can impair lubrication and the ability to achieve orgasm.

What you can do: Whether you’re a man or a woman, get to the root of the problem. In addition to uncontrolled blood sugar levels, possible culprits include medications, psychological issues such as anxiety or depression[9], and other health conditions. Don’t assume sexual problems are a “normal” part of aging—talk to your healthcare team about them.